I want that recorded because the source of this story, as it has come back to me twice from people who heard it thirdhand, has me demanding one, and it was the other way round and the difference matters.

We were at the same coffee place on Manor Road, three weeks in, and I said something like: I have a sonogram in my house with your name on it, I have a letter you wrote in February 2014, and I have two words in my own handwriting in a day planner.

I do not need a laboratory.

I would rather not have one.

Asking for one would be one more thing I do to you.

And Carmen said, “We’re doing it.”

“Carmen—”

“Wes.

I’m not doing it for you and I’m not doing it for me.

Sit still for a second and listen, because I’ve thought about this and you haven’t.”